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Spring cleaning is a term generally associated with a thorough house cleaning or emptying the garage to get rid of accumulated junk. Out with the old, in with the new. Are you aware that your HVAC unit runs better with regular maintenance? And, your air filters and system also benefit from a deep cleansing on a regular basis. Spring is the perfect season for yearly maintenance before the HVAC busy summer season hits.

One of the most important, yet unseen, aspects of a clean house is clean air to breathe day in and day out. Protecting your family from dust and allergens, especially during the pollen-heavy spring and summer months can be crucial to those suffering from asthma or other respiratory conditions. The fact that we cannot see the insides of our home air delivery system often means air ducts suffer from neglect. Dust and dirt accumulates over time, and it’s important to include air ducts on your spring cleaning list.

Desert Climate

When it comes to air conditioners and compressors, the desert can be a harsh and unforgiving environment. Exposed to the elements, often installed on roofs where temperatures soar, air conditioning units are subjected to intense sunlight, extreme wind, heavy rainstorms and constant dust. No other household appliance withstands the year in, year out stresses that your HVAC system routinely absorbs. Dirt and dust blowing in the desert wind is an ever-present nemesis and can negatively impact the workings of your compressor and air conditioning unit. It would surprise many homeowners to see what an HVAC spring cleaning reveals.

Spring Checkup

During the winter months, your air conditioning compressor can accumulate dirt and debris which may hinder the inner workings of the unit. Our trained technicians will perform a detailed inspection and restore your air conditioner to top form. Just like your car, regular maintenance checks of your HVAC unit will help prevent major problems from occurring.

Spring in Arizona is the best time to take advantage of the most perfect winter weather in the U.S. While you’re busy with outdoor activities, don’t overlook the opportunity to schedule a checkup for your HVAC system before the summer heat hits. Call Cool Blew today to schedule your maintenance check at 623-872-2900.

Power surges can happen anywhere, at any time. Here in the greater Phoenix area, they’re most often due to summer monsoon, electrical storms, downed power lines and faulty wiring. However, they can also be caused by local outages and even wide-scale power-grid issues. When you consider the cost of an HVAC system, you don’t want to take chances with the potential of a damaging power surge.

Most likely, you’ve taken steps to protect valuable electronics in your home, such as computers and televisions. However, you may not have thought of your heating and cooling system which can also be impacted by an unexpected power surge. Because you can’t predict a large spike in voltage to your home, it’s important to protect sensitive household equipment, including your air conditioner and heater.

How a Surge Protector Works

Because every home is vulnerable to a power surge or spike, the best line of defense is a surge protector for your HVAC system. This inexpensive device will shut off your system and save its electrical components.

At Cool Blew, we are focused on ensuring your HVAC system is maintained and protected. We’re here to provide you with the information you need to protect your heating and cooling investment. Along with installing a whole-home power surge protector, placed near your main breaker box, we can fit your HVAC system with individual surge protectors. And, we’re always here to help you restart your system following a power surge.

Don’t take chances in 2018 with your air conditioner and heater. Protect your home from external and internal sources of power surges. With many years of industry experience and deep expertise, we’re the right choice for all your HVAC and electrical needs.

Want to learn more about surge protection? Call Cool Blew today at 623-872-2900 to schedule an appointment.

Every region has unique characteristics when it comes to their tap water. In some areas, water can have a slightly cloudy appearance. Others have issues with water having an unusual smell. Here in the greater Phoenix area, the common problem is hard water. If you see lime scale build up on plumbing fixtures, shower doors and drinking glasses, you’ve spotted the issue. The good news is that it’s easily corrected with a water softener.

The Hard Facts on Hard Water

Interestingly, Phoenix is home to some of the hardest water in the United States. Due to large amounts of minerals in water supplies, it can cause scale to form on plumbing fixtures and appliances. In fact, it can shorten the life of dishwashers, water heaters, faucets and pipes. That’s not the only issue. It can also make white clothes look dingy and wreak havoc on your hair and skin. In other words, as a homeowner, it’s important to tackle the problem of hard water.

What Are the Benefits of a Water Softener?

If you’re tired of residue, streaks and spots on glasses, dishes and appliances, it may be time to consider a water softener. With a quick professional install, a water softener can instantly improve your home’s water quality. Not only will you stop seeing the visible evidence of hard water on household items, you’ll also experience improved condition of your skin and hair. Your laundry will look and feel better, too!

Another perk! Water softeners don’t require much maintenance. With most systems, it’s as simple as adding salt occasionally to keep the water softening process moving. Typically, you will only need to add salt every two months or so. That’s not much to ask when you consider the major benefits of having softer water.

What Size Water Softener?

Water softeners come in many sizes. An average person will use approximately 75 gallons of water every day. A home with three people, using approximately 225 gallons of water per day, will need a 32,000-grain water softener. While this is a standard size, there are many other sizes available to meet the specific needs of your family. To learn more about water softener sizing for your home, call the experts at Cool Blew at 623-872-2900.

During the winter months, Arizonans enjoy the best weather in the country. However, it’s a given that triple-digit temperatures are just around the corner. And, when they arrive, you don’t want to be “hot under the collar” dealing with an air conditioner that doesn’t work.

Each year, across the valley, calls flood into HVAC repair companies around late April to early May. Why? This is when temperatures reach a point when air conditioning is necessary. Homeowners who haven’t scheduled maintenance checks on their air conditioners are often surprised to find that their units don’t work when they flip their thermostat to the “cool” setting. With an influx of calls, there can be extended wait times for repair work. This is never a good way to kick off the summer season!

Don’t Put the “Pro” in Procrastination

While it’s easy to put some things off, it’s never a good idea to procrastinate on scheduling air conditioning maintenance. The stakes are too high. Not only are you risking having an unexpected system problem just when you need some cool air, you’re also jeopardizing the long-term function of a very expensive piece of household equipment.

An Ounce of Prevention…

If you think about it, there are few things more valuable in your home than your air conditioner. And, the good news is it’s incredibly easy to keep it functioning optimally whenever you need it. This begins with choosing an expert in air conditioner repair. With Cool Blew, you not only have a trusted contractor you can count on for all air conditioner repairs, you have a partner to help extend your air conditioner’s lifespan. With regular tune-ups and a residential, preventative maintenance agreement, you will have the peace of mind knowing that your air conditioner is ready to go whenever you need it.

Find out more about preventative service for your air conditioner. Call Cool Blew at 623-872-2900 today.

Although many homeowners enjoy tackling DIY projects, most choose to call in a professional electrician when it’s an electrical job. This makes sense when you consider the serious consequences if something goes wrong. So, the question is who to call when you have an electrical issue.

Unfortunately, there are many unskilled, unlicensed electricians out there who are more than willing to take a job, even if they’re not qualified for it. Because safety is a big part of electrical work, it’s important to vet anyone who you’re considering whether it’s for a simple task like hanging a ceiling fan or more complex work like rewiring. Here are a few things to look for:

Education

A reputable electrical contractor will gladly provide you with details on the education they require for their electricians. This includes ongoing training courses to stay current with the National Electrical Code.

License

In Arizona, it’s required for electricians to be licensed. Bad wiring, overloaded circuits and problems with an electrical panel due to poor workmanship can all cause serious injuries and fires. So, it’s important to only work with a licensed contractor. For additional protection, make sure they are also bonded and insured.

Specialization

There is a broad spectrum of electrical work. Some specialize in smaller, household tasks like replacing switches and outlets while others are focused on commercial projects that involve wiring large buildings. You will want to make sure you choose an electrician who is well-matched with the work you need done.

Permits

For some electrical work, a county permit is required. The cost of the permit is typically included in the bill for work, but not always. Make sure to find out.

Warranty

Any qualified electrician will offer a warranty on parts and labor because they stand behind their work. Get clarification on the specifics of a contractor’s warranty before you give the go-ahead.

As a licensed electrical contractor, Cool Blew is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality work and customer service. We work with both residential and commercial customers in Peoria, Surprise and throughout the greater Phoenix area. We even offer emergency electrical repair. Call us now at 623-872-2900.

You’ve probably seen an increasing number of solar panels on the roofs of your neighbors’ homes. There are many reasons why homeowners are jumping on the solar bandwagon in large numbers. Yet, protecting the environment and reducing energy costs are the most common.

Whether you’re considering solar for environmental, economic or other reasons, there are plenty of benefits to reap when you decide to make the shift. Here are some of the top reasons why 2018 may be the year it makes dollars and sense for you to go solar.

You’ll slash or even eliminate your electric bills

Imagine not getting a triple digit air conditioning bill in the summer. Here in the Valley of the Sun, there’s no shortage of power from the sun’s rays. Shouldn’t you be taking advantage of this natural resource that we have in abundance all year-long?

You’ll increase your property value

Having an eco-friendly home is a major selling perk in the Greater Phoenix area. In fact, many real estate studies have shown that homes equipped with solar energy systems are appraised at higher values and sell more quickly than non-solar homes.

You’ll no longer have to worry about jumps in energy costs

Eliminate your reliance on the utility company, and you will never have to worry again about their next rate hike. By investing in a solar energy system, you can protect yourself from escalating energy costs.

Protects the Environment

You’ll significantly reduce your household’s carbon footprint by switching to solar. An average residential solar panel system will eliminate up to four tons of carbon emissions each year. This is equal to planting over 100 trees annually.

Help Your Local Economy

By choosing a local provider of solar energy systems, like Cool Blew, you’re supporting your community, instead of a large-scale corporation.

Get a Great Return on Your Investment

Solar should be thought of as an investment with returns that match other investments, like stocks and bonds. Because of the savings on your electricity bill, you can expect to pay off your system in seven to eight years while seeing a return on your investment of 20 percent or greater.

Find out more about solar solutions by calling Cool Blew at 623-872-2900.

As we ring in 2018, it’s time to make some resolutions to make your life better. At Cool Blew, we believe that keeping your home’s plumbing in excellent shape is a resolution worth keeping all year long. The following are some easy-to-follow strategies to ensure the coming year is smooth and clog-free!

Be Careful What You Place in Your Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal is not a garbage can. To maximize the lifespan of this essential kitchen tool and your pipes, here’s the list of what to prevent from going down your kitchen drain:

Asparagus

Banana peels

Bones

Coffee grounds

Cooked meat scraps

Eggshells

Fruit pits and scraps

Grease

Nuts

Vegetable peels (including potato)

Don’t Flush Trash Down the Toilet

Limit what you flush to toilet paper and human waste. Avoid flushing Q-tips, cotton balls, diapers, feminine products and paper towels. None of these items were meant to go down the drain and can cause challenging clogs that lead to costly repairs. Even bathroom wipes that claim to be flushable can result in clogs. Instead, invest in a conveniently placed waste bin that can be used to catch all those items that don’t belong in the toilet.

Reduce Your Water Consumption

Here in the Arizona desert, water is precious and something we all need to conserve. Why not make 2018 the year that you make a few minor adjustments to your water usage patterns that can also save you money. Consider creating a family agreement to shorten shower time, run only full loads in the washing machine and turn water off when it’s not in use. Minor changes can result in big savings that help both the environment and your budget.

Maintain Your Water Heater

Throughout the greater Phoenix area, we have hard water, loaded with minerals. Protect your water heater in 2018 from rust and corrosion by removing sediment. This is a relatively easy process that can be accomplished with a hose and a bucket. If you don’t feel comfortable handling hot water heater maintenance, call Cool Blew today at 602-872-2900.

Schedule a Plumbing Tune-Up

A tune-up for your plumbing system is a great way to kick off 2018. One of our expert plumbers will inspect your home’s drains and water lines to ensure everything is functioning properly. A tune-up can also identify small issues before they turn into bigger problems.

Wishing you a happy and successful 2018!

Whether it’s for you or a loved one, the gift of home comfort is truly a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year. While it’s easy to not think about your HVAC system when it’s working properly, it can quickly become top of mind when there is a system problem or if energy bills start escalating due to decreasing system efficiency.

If you or someone you know could benefit from lower heating bills or wants to simply increase the energy efficiency of their home, here are some gift ideas to consider:

Maintenance Contract

A professional maintenance contract is an ideal gift because it improves the performance of an HVAC system while lowering energy bills and reducing the risk of unexpected system breakdowns. With a maintenance contract, you also gain the advantage of discounted repairs and preferred appointment scheduling.

Programmable Thermostat

An outdated thermostat not only creates the potential for an unexpected breakdown, it’s also highly inefficient. A new programmable thermostat is the gift of accurate, programmable temperatures that can ensure home comfort is maintained throughout the day.

Filters

While not expensive, filters are not something most of us think about on an average day. Yet, HVAC system filters should be replaced at least once a month. A year-long supply of filters is an inexpensive, thoughtful gift that provides better air quality, along with greater energy efficiency.

An Energy Audit

Is there someone on your gift list who is struggling with high energy bills? Call Cool Blew today to evaluate their home. With a comprehensive energy audit, leaks, cracks and areas that require more insulation can be quickly identified.

New HVAC Systems

Consider giving yourself the gift of a new HVAC system to provide greater home comfort and save you substantially on your energy bills in 2018. At Cool Blew, we offer free expert guidance on HVAC system installations in Peoria, Arizona and throughout the Valley.

Happy Holidays from the entire team at Cool Blew

Think about how much you rely on your water heater each and every day. From providing warm showers to cleaning your clothes, dishes, pots and pans. While you may not think about all that your water heater does on a daily basis, it’s a good idea to give it some love with a routine maintenance schedule. By doing so, you can keep it running optimally for many years to come.

What You Need to Do

Caring for your water heater isn’t difficult, but it does require some effort. The following are the steps necessary to keep this vital component of your home running as it should be:

Keep the thermostat at 120 degrees or below

You can save up to five percent in monthly energy costs for every 10 degrees you reduce your water heater’s temperature. You’ll also reduce its workload and any risk of scalding, too.

Remove sediment

At least two or three times a year, partially drain your tank to remove sediment and debris. Here in the greater Phoenix area, minerals that build up can corrode tanks. To drain the tank, turn off the cold- water supply and hook up a garden hose to the drain valve. Water can be drained into a bucket until the water runs clear.

Test the pressure relief valve

At least once a year, test the pressure relief valve by discharging it two or three times. Look for small leaks from the valve which signal a need to call for service.

Insulate the tank

A fiberglass jacket for your water heater tank and insulation around the cold and hot water pipes can improve efficiency all year-long.

Reduce the temperature when out-of-town

Whether you’re a snowbird who is gone for part of the year or just taking a two-week vacation, you can extend your water heater’s function by turning it to the vacation setting while you’re away. This maintains the pilot light without continuously heating the water.

And, remember to call Cool Blew at 623-872-2900 if you’re in need of water heater repair or replacement. We’re here to ensure you and your family are never left in the cold.

Safely decorating your home for the holidays should be the top item on your holiday wish list. To have a healthy and happy holiday before you deck the halls, follow these important tips to keep your tree glowing and outdoor lights impressive.

Christmas Tree Electrical Safety

Check all your lights for any damaged plugs, frayed or bare wires and loose connections. Light string defects may possibly cause fires or electrical shocks. Make sure the lights and decorations have certification labels from UL, CSA or other accredited inspection agencies. Look for lights certified as safe for indoor use. You might want to use LED lights which are cooler to the touch, more energy efficient and last longer than incandescent bulbs. Replace burned out bulbs, and do not leave any empty sockets.

When using extension cords, make certain cords are not a tripping hazard across open spaces. Do not place cords under rugs, by any heat sources or attached to any metal, such as staples or nails. As well, uncoil extension cords completely before use.

Turn off all electrical decorations before going to sleep or leaving home. Keep Christmas trees and wrapped gifts at least three feet from heat sources, such as space heaters, radiators and fireplaces. Don’t let young children and pets play with or pull on Christmas lights.

For a live Christmas tree, check for freshness and refill the tree stand daily with water. If using an artificial tree, choose one with a fire-resistant label, and avoid hanging lights on artificial trees with metallic branches or leaves. And, of course, a good rule of thumb any time of the year is to test all smoke alarms and replace batteries if not functioning.

Outdoor Decoration Safety

Be certain extension cords and electrical decorations are rated for outdoor usage and inspect for any damage before using. All outdoor lights and extension cords should be plugged into GFCI protected outlets for safety. Avoid plugging in more than three light strings to a single extension cord. Do not extend the length of an extension cord by connecting it with another extension cord.

Keep lights and cords away from standing water and securely fasten lights to trees, shrubs and your home’s exterior to protect from wind damage. Use only fiberglass or wooden ladders when hanging electrical decorations outside. Metal ladders will conduct electricity. If you use spotlights for illuminating decorations, make sure they are protected from weather conditions and a safe distance from flammable items.